Sustainable Denim Research & Development Project Lead (BFTT Partnership) - Blackhorse Lane Ateliers Ltd.

The opportunity

This post is an exciting opportunity for a Post Graduate, or Post-Doctoral Researcher (or equivalent demonstrable industry / research experience) to work as the Research & Development (R&D) Project Lead, facilitating a novel collaborative project, between the Centre for Circular Design at Chelsea College of Arts (UAL) and Blackhorse Lane Ateliers.

The successful candidate will work with the management & production teams at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers, a socially and environmentally sustainable craft denim maker based in London, and research experts in circular fashion & textile design at the Centre for Circular Design in University of the Arts London.

You will be employed by the University of the Arts London but be predominately based at Blackhorse Lane Ateliers with premises in Walthamstow, London. You will spend some time at the University on research as well as receiving academic, technical and mentoring support throughout the project.

Blackhorse Lane Ateliers’ Wash Lab has been awarded funding within the BFTT R&D SME Support Programme. The Programme aims to foster a creative business development culture which will enable fashion, textile and technology SMEs to thrive using bespoke R&D as a mechanism for innovation and growth.

The principal aim of the project is to develop R&D around sustainable denim-washing / finishing processes and product development through the set-up of the first state-of-the art, sustainable denim-washing & finishing laboratory in London.

This is a key role for the project and requires an experienced researcher with appropriate industry experience in fashion and/or textiles design, and/or textiles production or engineering, with an interest or experience in sustainable textiles finishing techniques and applied collaborative research. The role also requires excellent organisational and project management skills.

About you

• PG qualification in the area of or textiles design, fashion design or textiles engineering or equivalent research and/or industry experience. (essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of textile design, production and finishing techniques gained through research and/or relevant R&D industry work. (essential)
• At least 5 years’ experience with fashion/textile design and/or production and finishing processes. (essential)
• Excellent organisational and project management skills. (essential)
• Comprehensive knowledge of denim design and/or production gained through research and/or relevant R&D industry work. (desirable)
• Comprehensive knowledge of the commercial and design landscape of woven fabrics (essential) and in particular denim textiles and denimwear. (desirable)
• Knowledge of circularity and sustainability within the textile and fashion context. (desirable)
• Experience of working within a denim brand and/or manufacturer. (desirable)
• Experience of washing and/or finishing techniques using sustainable technologies including laser. (desirable)

If you have any queries you may contact ADS Recruitment Team via email adsstaffrecruitment@arts.ac.uk or telephone: 020 7514 9627.